you will never know how much you are truly loved and treasured. but maybe last year was a teeny tiny hint! here is to a wonderful 2010.

Thank you God!

I pray that 2010 is much better. You will never know how scared we all were. There were those moments when I was afraid the blocks afghan would not get done in time. Thank you for hanging in there.

Bravo Alison!

Marti said it perfectly. Here’s to a very happy and very, very healthy 2010 (and beyond)!

So glad you weren’t frogged, only tinked.

Celebrate! And may 2010 be filled with health and joy.

I am so glad that you are doing so much better. I remember those weeks when you were so brave. Here’s to a better year!!

We’re all glad you continue to be a WIP, and not moved to the “Finished” list!

Happy and (especially) healthy 2010 to you, Alison!

We are all intensely grateful you are still here too! We need your humor, moral compass, gentle spirit, generosity, and love.

Indeed you had us scared! And I know what you mean by being so grateful despite missing some parts. I might have become despondent over my condition, but I saw so many others (as at the therapy pool) who were much worse off than I. I thank God daily for what I CAN accomplish.

Bless you, Alison, for your generous spirit, your humor, and certainly not least of all, your friendship.

Fun –

What song did Cinderella sing as she waited four months for her photos to come back from the pharmacy? (Boy, you can sure tell that joke is pre-digital camera.)

Some day my prints will come.

“…All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
Julian of Norwich

Happy New Year, Alison — so glad you’re around to celebrate it with us! Here’s to many more…

Happy New Year to you! I discovered your blog long after the major excitement, and I am so glad I got the chance to be inspired by you in your actions, large and small. The large are obvious to most, I’m sure, but the small, like choosing inclusive language for those whose spirituality may differ in type if not in goodwill, are certainly noticed by me. Thank you!

Dearest Alison, though I’m not known to you, in following your blog the past 2 years I feel that you are a friend. Many tears have flowed for you in the past. Today the tears were for me: self pity. I have a colon, but not one I can take for granted. It’s missing a cancerous section (9 years cancer free!) scarred, radiation damaged, nerve disrupted, and from time to time lets me feel its pain. This month has been bad. Then I read your blog – oh yes! More tears. Then: start a shawl! I got out your book and, paying no never mind to the many other projects on needles, wheels, loom, got going on the water turtles shawl, sending you the love you’ve inspired in me, and in so many, with every stitch. Bless you.

I am so very thankful that you are here today, writing that.

Alison, again, you’ve so touched my heart. Last year at this time, my husband and I were so worried about you and praying for you and Richard both and this year, I’m thankful you’re feeling so much better…and I’m touched by your post today. With all you’ve been through, you still have such a sweet spirit. It isn’t possible to go back to what was before – regardless of whose fault it is, we can only go forward…but, I agree with you – insurance needs some serious looking into…they’re very quick to take our money but, very reluctant to return any of the service for which we’ve paid…and your situation is a perfect example of the wrongs companies are commiting on a daily basis…maybe you could go before Congress?…I’m sure everyone there would like to hang onto their colons if at all possible…
Thank you for sharing and wishing you a very Happy New year!
Love,
Abby

It may sound corny, but you are a blessing in the world with your unfailing kindness and love for those around you. I feel so fortunate to have found your blog, to be reminded of how to keep a loving, full heart no matter what life throws in our path.
So thanks for all the effort involved in keeping up the blog, and thanks so much for fighting to live. The world needs more like you. Inadequate words, really. 😉
*hugs*

I adore you. That is all. Well, not entirely all — I would like to report that Lucy is terrified of snow, but I am choosing to believe that the current terror is invoked because if I plopped her in a snowbank feet first, it would be up to her hair. 33″ over three days. !! Biggest Vermont snowstorm ever !! I’ll pitch a snowball for you, when I stop shivering!

Interesting what retrospect gives us, huh?

I guess Mother Nature had lots to celebrate with you as well then, because we got 2/3 of a foot of snow over the weekend… I’m so glad we don’t have a vehicle! lol

Here’s to more good thoughts send your way (for you, your family and the ones you care for) so that you know more healthy, peaceful and puntfilled days! 🙂

I’m so glad it all came out the way it did!

You are a joy to know a wonderful friend to all and wishing you and yours health and happiness in 2010.((((Hugging You))))Happy New Year Darcy

I’m so glad you made it and that 2009 is behind us; may it rest in peace in a hermetically sealed container. Good wishes for good health, happiness and security for you and yours.

Happy anniversary! It really does give as well as take away. So glad you’re still with us.

And I wish I could be more gracious, but I cackle out loud and went YIPPIE! when I read about Caremark. Hopefully, the new company will focus on helping people instead of facilitating death. (yes, I’m still angry, does it show??).

Dear Alison, I cannot thank you enough for having the determination (I wanted to write “guts” 😉 to still be here through repeated assaults, and remaining Alison through it all. I appreciate your willingness to share your path, “warts and all” because I know that’s not an easy thing to do. So many times this past year I’ve said to myself (sometimes through gritted teeth and tears), “If Alison can get through what she has, surely I can get through this cancer treatment.” You’ve not only gotten through it, you’ve done it with great grace! With gratitude and gentle hugs, Carol in MA

Hi,

I am so glad to learn of your healing. God does answer prayer. I have had a very emotional draining year so have not been there to give you the encouragement you needed regularly. I did want to tell you we have a grandson who has just started his missionary trip and is at Duke University. I wonder what special need he will be able to fill after hearing about your son. He has taken 4 years of Chinese in High School. Thank you for sharing this, I will be looking for Ben’s special mission.

Take Care,

Pam